Electrical Vault Explosion Damages Noho Apartment: LAFD

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — An explosion involving an electrical vault damaged an apartment building in North Hollywood Thursday morning, but no fire or injuries have been reported, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The explosion was reported in a subterranean electrical vault below a 32,000-square foot, 37-unit, 3-story apartment building in the 5600 block of North Farmdale Avenue at about 7:45 a.m.

Though no fire or injuries have been reported, the LAFD said the explosion broke windows and sent a manhole cover flying into the second floor.
"The forceful blast, heard over a wide area, as well as concrete debris from the electrical vault's lid, caused ... visible damage to the eave line of the structure, and broke multiple apartment windows," the LAFD reported.

Crews from LADWP and the LA Department of Building and Safety are arriving at the scene. Building and Safety crews will inspect the building to see if it remains safe for occupancy, the LAFD reported.